When he saw a painting he didn't like, the art critic Peter Schjeldahl would apparently ask himself, "What would I like about this if I liked it?" What a wonderful way to approach art, music, film... and frankly, life.

I've tried some odd beers in my time, but Adnams Cucumelon Sour takes the cake. If the cake was a combination of cucumber and melon with a touch of gherkin. No thank you.

Instead of going to Q, James Bond will now order his gadgets from Amazon. If this sounds annoying, don't worry: he gets free two-day shipping.

If you find Trump's desire to "take over" Gaza shocking, keep in mind that he's a real estate developer who has spent decades finding land, kicking people out, and turning it into a hotel or golf course. Why should his approach to diplomacy be any different? Offensive, yes, but it's on-brand.

I'm no expert on international relations, but I think it's a little early to call Trump's call with Putin a peace talk. It's more like a meeting with a relationship counselor—if the client is a war criminal and the counselor has a crush on them.

My thoughts on the current immigration crisis, from an expat perspective: chrismassa.substack.com/p/borders-an...

"This is an important lesson about the written musical score: In some ways, for all its virtues, it doesn't want to be seen. It 'is' the piece, and yet its most important task is to disappear."

Jeremy Denk, "Every Good Boy Does Fine"

Jemar Tisby, PhD on Substack It’s simple: When the most vulnerable feel more unsafe, we’re failing as neighbors and as a nation. Look at who’s frightened under this regime—that tells you everything you need to know about their po...

substack.com/@jemartisby/...

It's not exactly breaking news, but you can read my thoughts on Trump's Kennedy Center overhaul here: chrismassa.substack.com/p/politics-p...

This is just a note to say hello.

Hello.